Here's your weekly take from Nomadic Income—on the digital nomad lifestyle and selling your home to travel.
Digital Nomad Life: 5 Surprising Realities To Know Before You Go
The freedom of a location-independent lifestyle means beautiful experiences and pinch-yourself surreal moments.
But sometimes, it’s more adventure than I planned (or wanted.)
Here are five things to know before you pack your bags and head out.
You aren’t on vacation all day, every day...
You know those stock photos featuring a digital nomad working on a laptop in a beach hammock? It’s the perfect visual promoting a travel lifestyle.
But that’s not how it works!
Sometimes I try to work outside, but the tropical sun here in Guatemala makes it hard to focus on my computer. Since we travel by sailboat, I end up doing most of my work inside.
Also, I find myself working while others around me are shamelessly having fun. They are on vacay, and hey, that's what you are supposed to do!
Last fall, we were staying at a marina in Isla Mujeres. All day long, every day, catamarans passed by, filled with tourists dancing to music, singing, drinking margaritas, and having fun.
It felt strange to be in paradise—hard at work. But I'm learning to weave fun stuff into everyday. After all, that's why we embarked on this journey...to live an extraordinary life.
Extended stays in tourist destinations are pricey...
We tend to think that other countries are less expensive than home.
However, inflation is worldwide.
When I do the math, I sometimes find that it’s the same price I would have paid in the US. It's just distributed differently. (Think..the rent is cheaper, but the electricity is $$$.)
It's certainly cheaper in off-the-beaten-path places, but extended stays in tourist destinations mean you pay premium prices.
Eventually, you meet locals and other travelers who help you find better options, but don’t plan to automatically spend less without a bit of research.
Everyday chores take next-level energy...
Think about the chores and errands you do every week...
Laundry
Grocery Shopping
Grabbing cash from the ATM
Now think about doing them without a car in an unfamiliar country.
Uber isn’t really a thing here in Central America. Sometimes it's taxis and buses. Sometimes it's walking. And here on the Rio Dulce, we go everywhere along the river in our dinghy.
Laundry can be a surprisingly labor-intensive task.
I’ve only seen one coin laundry since I left the US. Most of the time, you can find someone to wash, dry, and fold your clothes. Sometimes it’s a price you are willing to pay, and sometimes it’s too much.
Aboard our boat, it means hand-washing, running the clothes through an old-style wringer, and using our solar dryer (aka a clothesline).
Make a plan while you still have clean clothes!
Big box stores are an American luxury...
Living in Texas, I got accustomed to easy access to places like Costco and Walmart. And let’s not forget Amazon Prime.
This convenience of choice isn't universal.
In Belize, we sailed from place to place, staying in some deserted anchorages as well as tourist spots like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
Grocery stores are small there, with limited selections.
My “buy organic,” “read the labels” mindset was challenged. I’m slowly adjusting to a “do the best you can” mindset.
After buying a 2-ounce travel-sized contact lens solution for $16 Belize ($8 US), I decided I'd better fill a suitcase with vitamins and personal products the next time I visit the U.S.
Think about the things you may not find where you are traveling, and pack extra if you can.
Sometimes it's lonely out here...
My husband and I are traveling together, and I love sharing this adventure with him, but I miss my family and friends.
Before heading for Isla Mujeres last fall, I spent three weeks with my family in Texas. The extended visit gave us time for deep conversation and connection, which made me miss them even more.
My husband and I spent our holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—traveling in Mexico, so we missed our traditions.
But we're making new memories while living the travel adventure we always wanted.
Thanks for reading. Each week, I share about our travel adventures and tips for living and working from anywhere in the world.
Until next week,
Tanya Holden
Nomadic Income
Got a question about working from anywhere or making travel your lifestyle? Just hit reply—I read every one.
